South Sudan’s political crisis escalates as President Kiir’s forces arrest Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol, part of a crackdown on allies of First Vice President Riek Machar. This follows the arrest of other key officials and clashes between government forces and the White Army militia, raising concerns about a potential new civil war. Church leaders and analysts call for dialogue amidst rising tensions.
In South Sudan, forces loyal to President Salva Kiir have intensified a crackdown on allies of First Vice President Riek Machar, recently arresting Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol. This situation has escalated a longstanding conflict that church leaders caution could spiral into a civil war. A spokesperson for Machar confirmed Kuol’s arrest, revealing that he was taken from his office by the National Security Service.
This latest arrest comes after earlier detentions of high-profile officials, including the petroleum minister and senior military figures aligned with Machar. These actions follow recent clashes in Upper Nile State between government forces and the White Army militia, predominantly composed of Nuer ethnic members supporting Machar. Information Minister Michael Makuei claimed that Machar’s forces are collaborating with the militia to attack military garrisons.
The White Army previously fought alongside Machar during the civil war from 2013 to 2018, which resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and the displacement of 2.5 million people. Despite a peace agreement reached in 2018 that reduced major confrontations, sporadic violence persists, exacerbated by the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has improved access to arms for local groups.
Stephen Par Kuol was integral in the 2018 peace negotiations and has ties to the current political turmoil. Church leaders expressed concern over the escalating violence and urged for political dialogue to address the tensions. Experts, such as senior analyst Daniel Akech Thiong from the International Crisis Group, warn that continued arrests could lead opposition-linked armed groups to retaliate against government installations.
Additionally, the South Sudanese government has delayed long-awaited national elections to December 2026, citing a need for better preparation time, further complicating the political landscape.
The ongoing political tensions in South Sudan have escalated with the recent arrest of Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol, indicating a potential resurgence of civil conflict. Despite a peace agreement designed to maintain stability, fractures persist, highlighted by government crackdowns on Machar’s allies. Analysts warn that these developments could incite further violence, particularly with ongoing militia activity in Upper Nile State and the recent postponement of national elections, suggesting a complex path ahead for South Sudan.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
